MFX CORP - TECHNICAL INFORMATION

P.E.T. Technical Information
In this page you will find technical information about PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate).

How it is made: PET is a condensation polymer made with ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, they are combined to form pellets of PET. The "pellets" are then heated to a molten liquid that can be extruded or form any shape of items.

History: In 1940 chemists from DuPont company were searching for new polymers to make textile fibers, by accident they synthesized PET. Months later, DuPont named these fibers as "Dracon".

In the decade of 1950s, researchers were able to stretch a thin extruded sheet of PET and produce a PET film. Today this film is widelly used as packaging films, photo and x-ray films.

At the beginning of the 1970 decade, researches were able to develop technology able to heat PET moldings, to produce plastic bottles that were strong, lightweight and shatterproof. The PET bottle was finally patented in 1973, and was immediately accepted in the market. Only in 1977 they found a way to recycle PET bottles.

Due being versatile, this trusted material is one of the world's most commonly used plastic. PET is responsible to more than 50% of the synthetic fiber produced all over the world.

Life after Recycle: PET can be recicled into several new products, such as new bottles, carpet fibers, sleeping bags fiberfill, dog beds, industrial strapping, t-shirts and fleece jackets, automotive parts such bumpers, door panels and headliners. A continuous filament yarn of PET can be used to produce curtains, fabrics, high-pressure fire hoses.

Consumption and Recycle: In 2007 the world consumed 5 million metric tons of PET resin, and only 25% was collected for recycling and this number is not increasing as much as the resin consumption.

Formula: (C10H8O4)n

Melting Point: 500F (260C)

Density: 1.38g/cm3
IUPAC ID: poly(ethylene terephthalate)

PET Symbol: